Cross-country eta trip: made it this far...

[southsails]

Photos w/ the copper are obligatory if I get pulled over. This eta is actually a lot faster than the 325ic I was considering a while back. Holding out in Barstow CA b/c I got caught up on the 101 today.

Paint is just as bad as described. But there may be something that can be fixed about it -- some heavy buffing? -- instead of just gloss paint on the roof.

No photos yet, but will have some tomorrow. Tried to take some at In-N-Out, but couldn't get the camera to work decently at night.

[ldsbeaker]

No sweat. I <3 my eta on long trips.
80 mph = 30 mpg

[Digitalwave]

No sweat. I <3 my eta on long trips.
80 mph = 30 mpg

I get the same MPG, and have 90 more hp :)

Good luck on your trip! That 325iC must have been beat if an eta is faster than it!

[southsails]

Went from Barstow, CA to Vega, TX today. Across 2 time zones:



Picked up some supplies:



Needed to black out some things for nighttime driving:



Found out what happens when you try to throw a container of McD's Ranch Dressing out the window (serves me right):



And the glam shot in New Mexico:



The car handles really well. I was surprised that the AC works (somewhat) and the cruise control works. Both "bonuses" that I wasn't expecting. I've been getting 30mpg, but have been stopping to fill up every 300 miles or so. Stinks that this car only has a 15 gallon tank.

More to come when I get settled down. I'm not sure if I'm just going to try to blow it all the way to Pittsburgh tomorrow. I feel like if I just keep driving it, it won't break down.

And I need to tackle that oxidized paint. But am not sure if the paint is just completely gone in some areas...

[e34john]

car is looking pretty good. Have a safe trip home. Oh and I'll buy that dash cover off you if you don't want it.

[Jscotty]

In addition to the ranch dressing, you must also slow down when rinsing your mouth with mouthwash and spitting out the window. I accidentally spit it out towards the wind and made a mess inside of the car.

[SchnellerVert]

Why would you throw it out the window? Have some respect for our land.

On another note nice car, rewire your stereo into the lighting circuit so you can dim it with the dimmer switch when you get back.

Any plans for it?

[southsails]

Why would you throw it out the window? Have some respect for our land.

It was a momentary lapse of judgement. The whole car wreaked of McD's chicken selects and ranch dressing. I was trying to dump the contents out the window so it wouldn't spill any more... then all hell broke loose.

[Schniddy]

Take some good pics of the paint when you get back, I might be able to help!

[Jscotty]

Ranch dressing is biodegradable isn't it? Plus it can be a tasty treat for the wild animals.

[SchnellerVert]

Plastic sure takes some time. Long trips like that Griots makes a bag of charcoal that's called "stinky be gone" or $2.57 at grocery store Frabreeze with no odor.

That car is crying out for some euor bumpers and 15" oem baskets. Then minor suspension and leave it.

[Tree18is]

Fuck

Though the opportunity for our cars to meet would be a lil sentimental, I flew in through Denver, and it looked like alotta snow... I am sticking south.

First stop:

YOU SON OF A BITCH!!!! you have no idea how bad i miss my in and out!

[southsails]

Be jealous. In N Out was so freakin fantastic.

The best part of the drive so far was the 101 in Cali, plus the other bits in Cali... plus the bits in AZ and New Mex. Awesome scenery, warm weather, and great people. After Texas, Oklahoma starts to blow (wtf is with the damn toll road!?) and then Missouri and Illinois just starts getting cold and gray.

Took more photos today, but nothing interesting. The great part about driving east in the winter is that you get to see the moon rise. That, however, doesn't show up w/ a point and shoot digital (time for a Nikon D1)!

Will get detail shots of the paint. It is Arktisblau metallic. I want to jump right into the paint, and getting a seat that's more comfortable than these vinyl buckets. A seat that can be mounted lower to the ground. Mosdef going to get some baskets. Have to inspect the suspension more thoroughly before doing anything to it. The motor is very strong, so I'm not exactly going to jump at the S50B30 yet.

Am also looking out for a 3.25 diff, but the car is snappy enough right now. I guess the previous owner did really take care of it.

[Hick]

Car looks real nice! I would love to make a trip simmilar to this just for the hell of it. Good luck on the rest of your drive, midwest weather is wating for you!

so how far are you?

[southsails]

THE ETA MADE IT!!!


I was in IL yesterday. Just got into Pittsburgh. I am a little loony right now. 2 900 mile days, and the last day I had to push it. Only one Red Bull consumed. But I've got tunnel vision right now. Some photos coming soon.